Lopez Island’s [1] main attraction is its rural, pastoral countryside. The long stretches of hills, pastures, orchards, and woods might just as well be New England.
Cows and sheep are a common sight, including some exotic long-haired breeds at Cape St. Mary Ranch on the southeast end of the island. Also of interest are the bright fields of daffodils, tulips, lilies, gladiolus, and delphiniums at Madrona Farms (near the intersection of Richardson and Davis Bay Roads, 360/468-3441).
For a complete list of nearly 50 Lopez farms, pick up the Farm Products brochure at the museum, or find details at www.lopezclt.org [2].
Lopez Island Vineyards (Fisherman Bay Rd., 360/468-3644, www.lopezislandvineyards.com [3], noon–5 p.m. Wed.–Sat. in summer, noon–5 p.m. Fri.–Sat. fall and spring, closed Christmas–March) is a small, family winery that grows organic grapes and produces wines from these, along with grapes from eastern Washington.
Bucolic Lopez Island [1] is a delightful place to explore, but unfortunately, many of the beaches are privately owned and closed to the public—check for signage before traipsing to the shoreline.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/san-juan-islands/lopez-island
[2] http://www.lopezclt.org
[3] http://www.lopezislandvineyards.com